General
Mak Halls Renovation Kicks Off with Lumumba
Makerere University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 27th June 2023 handed over the Lumumba Hall site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), for commencement of renovation works. The works to be undertaken over a period of twelve months are fully funded by the Government of Uganda at a cost of UGX9billion. NEC is a State-owned Corporation and is the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Addressing the gathering, the Prof. Nawangwe appreciated the Government of Uganda for availing all resources required to undertake the project. In the same breath, he paid tribute to the United States Government for donating the Hall of Residence as an Independence gift to Uganda.
“Lumumba is the biggest and newest Hall of Residence we have. There have been no major renovations since it was constructed and this overhaul is meant to bring it back to life” added the Vice Chancellor. Renovation of Halls of Residence has been of utmost importance to the University Leadership and will begin with Lumumba Hall, followed by Mary Stuart Hall as funds are made available.
Lumumba Hall was built in the late 1960s and officially opened in 1971. It was named after Patrice Lumumba, a freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (currently the Democratic Republic of Congo). The Hall has the capacity to accommodate approximately 752 students.
The Acting Director, Estates and Works Directorate (EWD) Eng. Darius Muwanguzi noted that Lumumba’s structure is still sound and the overhaul is intended to restore the plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the flooring, window fittings and other amenities.
Receiving the site on behalf of the contractor, the General Manager NEC Construction Works and Engineering Limited, Eng. Brian Buhanda expressed delight at the firm being awarded another project at Makerere University, following the Perimeter Wall Fence Completion contract. He expressed the contractor’s readiness to restore Lumumba to its original quality or better, given the advancements made with production of materials since the 1971 when the Hall officially opened its doors.
Other Members of Management present at the handover included the Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli and the Manager Procurement and Disposal-Mr. Paul Agaba. Also present were the Chief Security Officer-ACP Omara Cyrus Samson, Officials from the Office of the Vice Chancellor and the Media.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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